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Deborah Owhin

Skoll Scholar, Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship

Biography

Deborah Owhin is a Spelman College Alumna (Atlanta, Georgia), who was commended as a ‘fearless leader’ post-graduation in the 2013 Philanthropy report for her work towards promoting gender equality. Her career trajectory has been face paced and she became the youngest Violence against women and girls coordinator for the UK government.

Her experiences at local, national, and international level gave her a realisation of the urgent need for a platform where young women and men could learn and work together to prevent gender inequality, and so started ‘Made Equal’ - a non-profit social initiative that engages, educates and empowers them to eradicate gender inequality.

Deborah has an extensive background working to prevent and end domestic and gender based violence against women and girls internationally through government and civil society leadership positions for over 10 years. Deborah has been a valued advocate and commentator on issues affecting young adults and professionals. She has been invited to speak on major media platforms such as Sky News, CNN and local media channels.

She has been recognised as a Future Leader by the Nigerian Leadership Initiative and was inducted as an Associate in 2014. In 2015, Deborah became the first African to receive the prestigious Skoll Scholarship at the University of Oxford, where she is currently studying for a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and is at Somerville College.

Deborah is an active member of the Oxford community, serving as a qualified Peer Supporter and the Vice President of Government on the Global Business, Government and Politics Oxford Business Network. She was also named by ‘Poets and Quants’ as one of the ‘Top 10 Women to Watch’ from the MBA Class of 2016 globally.

Deborah is a trustee and adviser for several charities, including Restored. She enjoys travelling, spending time with her God children and is an avid supporter of Arsenal Football Club.